This morning, I’ve been thinking about a promise from Jesus that doesn’t usually make it onto Instagram feeds or coffee mugs. It’s not the one we highlight with glittery pens or turn into wall art, but it is a promise—and it’s one that speaks to real life:

“In this world you will have tribulation.” John 16:33 (NKJV)

Tribulation. Storms. Struggle.

“Praise the Lord from the earth, You great sea creatures and all the depths; Fire and hail, snow and clouds; Stormy wind, fulfilling His word.” Psalm 148:7–8 (NKJV)

These aren’t the moments we rush to post online. We tend to reserve our social media feeds for the highlights—the celebrations, the breakthroughs, the pretty parts of the journey. But what about the fire? The hail? The stormy wind?

Even the stormy wind fulfills His word. That’s hard to grasp sometimes. We believe God is with us in the peaceful places—but what about when life gets loud and chaotic? What about when we’re tossed around by disappointment, uncertainty, or waiting?

The Bible never promises a life free of storms. But it does promise purpose in them and presence through them. Storms don’t disqualify you from God’s promises. They may, in fact, be the very setting where those promises are forged more deeply into your soul.

Scripture also says this:

“The end of a thing is better than its beginning; The patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.” Ecclesiastes 7:8 (NKJV)

The end is better than the beginning. But what about the middle?

What about that awkward, stretched-out space between where we started and where we hope to end up? What about the gap?

There’s often a long and confusing distance between the first step of obedience and the moment of breakthrough. Between the letting go and the stepping in. Between the storm and the rescue.

That in-between space is hard.

It’s tempting to question the path, doubt the decision, or wonder if we’ve missed something. But more often than not, the gap is exactly where God is growing our faith.

Maybe you’re in that space today. You said “yes” to something God placed in your heart. You followed His leading. You obeyed. But now… things feel quiet. Or messy. Or painful. Or like nothing is happening at all.

If that’s you, I want to encourage you: the gap is not evidence of God’s absence. It’s an invitation to deeper trust.

Jesus didn’t stop at “you will have tribulation.” He continued with confidence and compassion:

“But be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

He reminds us that we’re never alone. Not in the joy and not in the struggle. Not at the finish line and not in the wilderness. He has already overcome—and that changes everything.

This morning, a friend texted me a verse she’s been holding onto—a “light at the end of the tunnel” kind of promise. It immediately lifted something in my spirit, and I want to share it with you, too:

“Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness: He is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous.” Psalm 112:4 (KJV)

Light in the darkness.

What a beautiful phrase. Not just light after the darkness. Light in it.

God doesn’t wait for the storm to end to show up. He doesn’t wait for you to figure it out before offering His compassion. He is gracious and kind and righteous—right in the middle of your mess.

The gap doesn’t mean you’re lost.

It doesn’t mean the story is over.

It just means you’re in the middle.

The middle matters more than we often realize. It’s where character is shaped. It’s where trust is refined. It’s where you learn not just to believe in God’s promises—but to believe in His heart.

If you find yourself in a waiting season today, I want you to know:

You are not behind. You are not overlooked. You are not forgotten. You are simply between the beginning and the breakthrough. The storm may still be raging, but the Lord is still speaking. The fire may be refining, but His compassion is still surrounding. The path may feel uncertain, but His presence is steady and sure.

So hang in there, friend. You don’t need to see the whole map to trust the One who wrote it. You don’t need the full ending to rest in the Author of your story. You don’t need a picture-perfect update to prove that God is working.

He is working – and when the light arises you’ll see how deeply He’s been present in the process all along.

So if you’re in the gap today—between the step and the arrival, between the storm and the rescue—take heart. You’re not alone. You’re not empty. You’re not forgotten. And you’re not alone – I’m here with you.

You’re walking with the One who has already overcome – and that is a promise, a treasure, worth holding on to ❤